Tuesday May 14th, 2011 – Mehdi Mahmoudnia, sentenced to an additional 10 days in solitary confinement and banned for three months from all visitation as a result of the publication of his open letter addressed to the Supreme Leader describing the inhumane conditions at Rajai Shahr prison, has a started a dry hunger strike (no food or water) in solitary confinement.

According to reports by Kaleme, Mahmoudnia who suffers from a variety of ailments as a result of the pressure he has endured while behind bars, began a wet hunger strike (water only) along with a number of other political prisoners at Rajai Shahr prison a few weeks ago, resulting to the exasperation of his physical ailments. It goes without saying that the announcement of a dry hunger strike (no water or food) greatly increases the concerns regarding his well being.

Mehdi Mahmoudnia, journalist, political activist and member of the Participation Front, behind bars since September 16th, 2009, has never been granted furlough. Mahmoudnia has spent more than 70 days in solitary confinement. He was transferred approximately one year ago from Evin’s ward 350 to Rajai Shahr prison, despite the fact that his 5 year prison sentence did not mention exile or transfer to a different prison.